TOP 10 Hill Towns of India for Your Next Satisfying Travel Destination

Here is a basic description of the names of the main hill towns in India, together with information regarding their state of location and tourist spots.

Panoramic view of the great Himalayan range at sunset, Generated with AI (Source: Adobe Stock)

 

Gulmarg

Gulmarg is a hill station in the Indian Union territory of Jammu and Kashmir. It is known for its skiing slopes, which are some of the best in India. The town is also home to a number of other attractions, including the Gulmarg Gondola, the Alpather Lake, and the Maharani Temple.

Gulmarg is a popular tourist destination, especially during the winter months when the slopes are open for skiing. The town is also a popular destination for hikers and trekkers, who can enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Here are some of the reasons why Gulmarg is so famous:

Skiing: Gulmarg is one of the best skiing destinations in India. The slopes are open from November to April, and offer a variety of terrain for skiers of all levels.

Beautiful Gulmarg hill town in Kashmir (Source: Gettyimage)

Gulmarg Gondola: The Gulmarg Gondola is a cable car that takes visitors up to the top of the Apharwat Peak. The views from the top are simply stunning.

Alpather Lake: The Alpather Lake is a beautiful lake located in the mountains above Gulmarg. It is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking.

Maharani Temple: The Maharani Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Durga. It is a famous pilgrimage site for Hindus from all over India.

If you are looking for a winter wonderland, then Gulmarg is the perfect place for you. The town is home to some of the best skiing slopes in India, as well as a number of other attractions. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Gulmarg today!

1) Gulmarg Gondola (Source:iStock) 2) Alpather Lake Trek (Credit: Vargis Khan) 3) Maharani Temple (Credit: Tripuntold) 4) Skiing (Credit: Natureholidiazindia)

 

Leh, Ladakh

Leh Ladakh is a high-altitude desert region in the Indian Himalayas. It is known for its stunning scenery, Buddhist monasteries, and adventure sports.

Exploring Nature, Adventure, and Spirituality In Ladakh (Source: World Travel Magazine)

Some of the most popular tourist destinations in Leh Ladakh include:

Leh Palace: The Leh Palace is a 17th-century palace that is the former seat of the royal family of Ladakh. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and offers stunning views of the city of Leh.

Thiksey Monastery: The Thiksey Monastery is a 15th-century monastery that is one of the largest in Ladakh. It is located about 15 kilometers from Leh and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Stok Kangri: The Stok Kangri is the highest mountain in Ladakh and is a popular trekking destination. The trek to the summit is challenging but offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Chadar Trek: The Chadar Trek is a winter trek that is done on the frozen Zanskar River. The trek is challenging but offers stunning views of the Zanskar Gorge.

Tourist destinations in Leh 1) Leh Palace, 2) Thiksey Monastery, 3) Stok Kangri, 4) Chadar Trek (Source: iStock)

Pangong Lake: The Pangong Lake is a high-altitude lake that is located on the border between India and China. The lake is a popular spot for hiking, camping, and kayaking. 

Spectacular view of Pangong Lake in Ladakh (Source: iStock)

Leh Ladakh is a beautiful and diverse region that offers something for everyone. Whether you are interested in history, culture, adventure, or stunning scenery, Leh Ladakh is the perfect place to visit.

 

Darjeeling and Kurseong

Darjeeling and Kurseong are two hill stations located in the Darjeeling district of West Bengal, India. They are both popular tourist destinations, known for their stunning scenery, mild climate, and British colonial heritage.

Hill towns view od Darjeeling (left) and Kurseong (right) Source: iStock)

Darjeeling is the more famous of the two hill stations, and is often referred to as the "Queen of the Hills". It is a larger town with a more developed tourist infrastructure. Kurseong is smaller and more laid-back and has a more authentic hill station feel. Here is a table comparing the two hill stations:

Feature	Darjeeling	Kurseong
Location	Darjeeling district, West Bengal	Darjeeling district, West Bengal
Elevation	6,710 ft (2,045 m)	4,848 ft (1,478 m)
Climate	Mild, with average temperatures ranging from 10°C (50°F) in winter to 25°C (77°F) in summer	Mild, with average temperatures ranging from 5°C (41°F) in winter to 20°C (68°F) in summer
Tourist attractions	Darjeeling Himalayan Railway, Tiger Hill, Padmaja Naidu Himalayan Zoological Park, Batasia Loop, Chowrasta	St. Paul's Church, Deolo Viewpoint, Dow Hill, David's Falls, Makaibari Tea Estate
Best time to visit	October to March	October to March

UNESCO Heritage Darjeeling Toy Train (Source: iStock)

Ultimately, the best hill station for you will depend on your individual preferences. If you are looking for a more developed tourist destination with a wider range of activities, then Darjeeling is a good choice. If you are looking for a more laid-back and authentic hill station experience, then Kurseong is a good choice.

 

Beautiful tea gardens in Darjeeling and Kurseong (Source: iStock)

Gangtok

Gangtok is the capital of the Indian state of Sikkim. It is a hill station located in the eastern Himalayas and is known for its stunning views of Mount Kanchenjunga, the third-highest mountain in the world.

Gangtok is a heavenly abode for all types of travelers! (Source: Sikkim Tourism)

Gangtok is a popular tourist destination and is home to a number of attractions, including:

Nathula Pass: Nathula Pass is a mountain pass located in the East Sikkim district. It is the highest motorable road in India and offers stunning views of the Himalayas.

Beautiful winter landscape of Nathula Pass (Source: iStock)

Tsomgo Lake: Tsomgo Lake is a glacial lake located at an elevation of 3753 meters. It is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking.

Rumtek Monastery: Rumtek Monastery is a Buddhist monastery located near Gangtok. It is one of the largest monasteries in Sikkim and is a popular pilgrimage site for Buddhists from all over the world.

Ganesh Tok: Ganesh Tok is a hilltop viewpoint located in Gangtok. It offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding mountains.

Namgyal Institute of Tibetology: Namgyal Institute of Tibetology is a research institute located in Gangtok. It is a popular destination for learning about Tibetan culture and history.

1) Tsomgo Lake, 2) Rumtek Monastery, 3) Ganesh Tok, 4) Namgyal Institute of Tibetology (Source: iStock)

 

Gangtok is a beautiful city with a lot to offer visitors. Whether you are interested in hiking, sightseeing, or learning about Tibetan culture, Gangtok is the perfect place for you. The best time to visit Gangtok is during the spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild. The summers can be hot and humid, and the winters can be cold and snowy.

 

Kullu and Manali

Kullu and Manali are beautiful hill stations located in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh. They are popular tourist destinations and offer a variety of activities for visitors to enjoy. Whether you are interested in hiking, sightseeing, or water sports, Kullu and Manali are the perfect place for you.

Himachal's beauty Kullu and Manali (Source: iStock)

Rohtang Pass: Rohtang Pass is a high-altitude mountain pass located at an elevation of 3,978 meters (13,048 feet). It is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer months when the pass is open.

Rohtang Pass is heaven for trekking lovers (Credit: Oneday.Travel)

Hadimba Temple: Hadimba Temple is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Hadimba. It is located in Manali and is a popular pilgrimage site for Hindus from all over India.

Vashisht Hot Springs: Vashisht Hot Springs are a group of hot springs located in Manali. The springs are said to have medicinal properties and are a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

Solang Valley: Solang Valley is a beautiful valley located in Manali. The valley is a popular spot for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.

Bhagirathi River: The Bhagirathi River is a river that originates in the Garhwal Himalayas. The river is a popular spot for rafting, kayaking, and other water sports.

Manali Market: Manali Market is a popular market located in Manali. The market is a great place to buy souvenirs, handicrafts, and other local products.

1) Hadimba Temple, 2) Vashisht Hot Springs, 3) Solang Valley, 4) Manali Market

 

The best time to visit Kullu and Manali is during the spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild. The summers can be hot and humid, and the winters can be cold and snowy.

The iconic Atal Tunnel is an engineering marvel in the Himalayas, Manali in India (Source: iStock)

 

Shillong

Shillong is the state capital of Meghalaya and a hill station in northeastern India. It serves as the district's administrative center for East Khasi Hills. The city's surrounding hills are supposed to have given the British population of Scotland-like impressions. They called it Scotland of the East for this reason. This hill station is a beautiful city with a lot to offer visitors. Whether you are interested in hiking, sightseeing, or learning about Khasi culture, Shillong is the perfect place for you.

Beautiful Shillong Evening Scenes (Source: Meghalaya Tourism) 

Shillong Peak: Shillong Peak is the highest point in Shillong, and offers stunning views of the city and the surrounding hills.

Ward's Lake: Ward's Lake is a beautiful lake located in the heart of Shillong. The lake is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and picnicking.

Elephant Falls: Elephant Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in the outskirts of Shillong. The falls are a popular spot for hiking and swimming.

Don Bosco Museum: The Don Bosco Museum is a museum that showcases the culture and history of the Khasi people. The museum is a great place to learn about the unique culture of Shillong.

1) Shillong Peak, 2) Ward's Lake, 3) Elephant Falls, 4) Don Bosco Museum

Mawlynnong: Mawlynnong is a village located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. The village is known as the "Cleanest Village in Asia" and is a great place to experience the natural beauty of Meghalaya but a sobriquet that does more justice is that of God's Own Garden.

Living Root Bridge: The Nohwet Living Root Bridge, arguably Meghalaya's most well-known landmark, can be found in the Mawlynnong village. Generation after generation, the Ficus Elastica tree's roots were wrapped around a support structure to form the bridge. The towns in the steep valleys and mountains relied on these live root bridges, which are a key component of Khasi traditional architecture.

Single-decker Living Root Bridge in Meghalaya (Credit: Richa Mehrotra)

Cherrapunji: Cherrapunji is a town located in the East Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya. Cherrapunji is known as the "Wettest Place on Earth" and is a great place to experience the rain forests of Meghalaya. In the surrounding hills, the Seven Sisters, Noh-Kalikai, and Kynrem waterfalls plunge from forested clifftops. South of town, Mawsmai Cave is illuminated to show its stalagmites

Magnificant the Seven Sisters (left) and Noh-Kalikai (right) Waterfalls

 

The best time to visit Shillong is during the spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild. The summers can be hot and humid, and the winters can be cold and snowy.

 

Srinagar

Srinagar is the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, India. It is located in the Kashmir Valley, which is surrounded by the Himalayas. The city is known for its beautiful lakes, gardens, and mosques.

A beautiful view of Dal Lake in winter, Srinagar, Kashmir, India (Source: iStock)

 

Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Srinagar:

Dal Lake: Dal Lake is a large lake located in the heart of Srinagar. The lake is surrounded by mountains and is home to a variety of water birds.

Nishat Bagh: Nishat Bagh is a Mughal garden located on the banks of Dal Lake. The park is known for its fountains, canals, and pavilions.

Chashma Shahi: Chashma Shahi is a Mughal garden located on the banks of the Jhelum River. The park is known for its fountains, canals, and pavilions.

Hari Parbat: Hari Parbat is a hill located in the center of Srinagar. The hill is home to a number of temples and shrines.

Jama Masjid: Jama Masjid is a mosque located in the heart of Srinagar. The mosque is the largest mosque in Kashmir and can accommodate over 30,000 people.

1) Nishat Bagh, 2) Chashma Shahi, 3) Hari Parbat, 4) Jama Masjid

Srinagar is a beautiful city with a lot to offer visitors. Whether you are interested in history, culture, or nature, Srinagar is the perfect place for you. The best time to visit Srinagar is during the spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild. The summers can be hot and humid, and the winters can be cold and snowy.

 

Mussoorie

Mussoorie is a hill town in the state of Uttarakhand, India, which is also known as the Queen of Hills. Mussoorie, which is 35 kilometers from Dehradun, is one of the locations that tourists frequently visit. It is a popular tourist destination. This hilly tourist site is located in the Himalayan range, also known as the Queen of Mountains, in the center of the Himalayan Mountains.

Mussoorie, the Queen of hill stations (Source: Travel Triangle)

 

Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Mussoorie:

Mall Road: The Mall Road is the main shopping street in Mussoorie. The road is lined with shops, restaurants, and hotels.

Gun Hill: Gun Hill is a viewpoint located in Mussoorie. The hill offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Kempty Falls: Kempty Falls is a waterfall located in Mussoorie. The falls are a popular spot for hiking and picnicking.

Lal Tibba: Lal Tibba is a viewpoint located in Mussoorie. The hill offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Everest.

Company Garden: The Company Garden is a botanical garden located in Mussoorie. The garden is home to a variety of plants and flowers.

Landour: Landour is a cantonment town located near Mussoorie. The town is known for its scenic beauty and its British colonial heritage.

Beautiful Kempty Falls (left) and Company Garden (right)

 

Mussoorie is a beautiful hill station with a lot to offer visitors. Whether you are interested in shopping, sightseeing, or hiking, Mussoorie is the perfect place for you. The best time to visit Mussoorie is during the spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild. The summers can be hot and humid, and the winters can be cold and snowy.

 

Ooty

Ooty, also known as Utkamandalam, is a city in the Tamil Nadu state. This city, which lies on the boundary between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, is well known as a hill resort. Here, the closest airport is in Coimbatore. Although it is well connected by road to Tamil Nadu and other regions of Karnataka, the best way to get here is from Kannur by train or toy train.

Ooty is a resort town in the Western Ghats mountains (Source: Travel and Leisure Asia)

 

Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Ooty:

Dodabetta Peak: Dodabetta Peak is the highest point in Ooty, and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

Botanical Garden: The Botanical Garden is a popular tourist attraction in Ooty. The garden is home to a variety of plants and flowers, including the Nilgiri tahr, a rare goat-antelope species.

Pykara Lake: Pykara Lake is a beautiful lake located in the foothills of the Nilgiri Mountains. The lake is a popular spot for boating, fishing, and picnicking.

Sim's Park: Sim's Park is a popular tourist attraction in Ooty. The park is home to a variety of plants and flowers, as well as a toy train that takes visitors around the park.

Catherine Falls: Catherine Falls is a beautiful waterfall located in the foothills of the Nilgiri Mountains. The falls are a popular spot for hiking and picnicking.

Government Museum: The Government Museum is a popular tourist attraction in Ooty. The museum houses a collection of artifacts and exhibits that showcase the history and culture of the Nilgiris region.

1) Botanical Garden, 2) Pykara Lake, 3) Government Museum, 4) Catherine Falls

 

Ooty is a beautiful hill station with a lot to offer visitors. Whether you are interested in sightseeing, hiking, or shopping, Ooty is the perfect place for you. The best time to visit Ooty is during the spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild. The summers can be hot and humid, and the winters can be cold and snowy.

 

Dalhousie

Dalhousie is a hill town that exudes historical elegance and has subtle Rajiv Gandhi undertones. The city, which is spread across five hills (Cathlaug Potres, Tehra, Bakrota, and Bolun), is named for Lord Dalhousie, a 19th-century British Governor General. It is situated at an altitude of 1,970 meters (6,460 feet) above sea level. Dalhousie is known for its scenic beauty and pleasant climate.

Beautiful Khajjiar in Dalhousie in Himachal Pradesh (Source: Lonely Planet)

 

Here are some of the top tourist attractions in Dalhousie:

Kalatop: Kalatop is a hill station located about 12 kilometers from Dalhousie. It is home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the snow leopard.

Chandela: Chandela is a small village located about 15 kilometers from Dalhousie. It is known for its temples and its scenic beauty.

Dainkund Peak: Dainkund Peak is the highest peak in Dalhousie. It offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains

Panchpula: Panchpula is a beautiful waterfall located about 5 kilometers from Dalhousie. It is a popular spot for hiking and picnicking.

Rose Garden: The Rose Garden is a popular tourist attraction in Dalhousie. The garden is home to a variety of roses, as well as a number of other flowers.

St. Francis Church: St. Francis Church is a beautiful church located in Dalhousie. The church was built in the 19th century and is a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.

Khajjiar: Khajjiar is a hill station located in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh, India. It is often referred to as the "Mini Switzerland of India" due to its scenic beauty. Khajjiar is situated at an altitude of 1,951 meters (6,399 feet) above sea level and is surrounded by mountains and forests. Khajjiar is a popular tourist destination and can be easily reached from Dalhousie, which is about 21 kilometers away. There are a number of buses and taxis that run between Dalhousie and Khajjiar. 

Khajjiar-Mini Switzerland of India (Source: Delhi Metro Times)

Dalhousie is a beautiful hill station with a lot to offer visitors. Whether you are interested in sightseeing, hiking, or shopping, Dalhousie is the perfect place for you. The best time to visit Dalhousie is during the spring (March-May) or autumn (September-November) when the weather is mild. The summers can be hot and humid, and the winters can be cold and snowy.

Disclaimer: All the photographs are used under a creative commons license and fair use and credit goes to original photographers.